Flu, Pneumonia & Shingles Shot

I've never had any lf the flu or pneumonia or shingles vaccines. I know I'm in the categories that I "should" because of my age. I'm concerned that my immune system is already so weak getting these shots could send me over the edge. Guess I just try to be really careful during flu season.

I'm terrified of the shingles vaccine most of my pain is already nerve pain. I agree, Pamela, we already have enough problems with pain. I feel like I don't want one more doctor or one more screw up with even something as "simple" as a flu vaccine. My cousin had one a few years ago and someone hit a muscle or nerve wrong and it took months for her arm to heal.

PaLady

My PCP, Gastro & Pulmonary drs are all hounding me to get the flu & peumonia shot. Pulmonary man said if I were to get the flu it could be fatal for me. I hve never had any of these shots. Susie

Ok, I did it. I saw my PCP yesterday for followup on labs and Dexa Scan. Labs came back good, but the Dexa Scan was bad as we knew it would be. Osteopororsis of the entire lumbar spine and in beginning stages of both hips. My dr wants to see if my ins will approve me for the infusion drug given once a yr for the osteoporosis. I cannot take the oral meds given for it due to stomach issues. There is also a nasal spray available too. They measured my and I am shrinking, I have lost 2 inches in height, I was always 5 "2", now 5 ft and that was with my Nike tennis shoes on. I am finally having my EGD on November 3, to see if there is something going on new in there like crohns moving its way upward. I lost 4 more pounds in 2 weeks since I was in her office and she is really concerned over the weight loss since March, as is my gastro. While there I took the big step and got my flu shot and the peumonia shot. Did not feel a thing when nurse gave both. I noticed a little achiness in the arm from the peumonia shot but nothing bad. I took tylenol for the 1st 24 hours and I am fine. I have always been so afraid of the flu shot cause alot of people I have known became very ill within 24 hrs and I did not want to risk it, yeah, I know big chicken,lol. Susie

Pam, no my dr did not mention walking, I am at risk tho for falling so thats really out. I do wear a back brace now due to walking bent over. My pain dr had me fitted. It does help and the pressure against my back feels so good. I am hoping my ins will approve me having the infusion drug for the osteopororosis, she is going to get that checked out. You do it once a year and you are done till the next year. The pills hurt my stomach. But this afternoon I am not feeling well at all. I am running 100.3 temp I am sure its the flu shot that got me. I feel a little achy all over. I took the dog to get her spayed, after I pick her up and get her settled, its off to bed for me. She did recommend I start on CitraCal D daily. Pam been meaning to ask you, is your pain dr a surgeon? My pain did not implant my pump, he had a surgeon to implant it but my pain dr was in the operating room with me. I don't know of any pain drs that are surgeons too. Oh well, I am off to pick Jazzy up, she is gonna be mad at me I am sure, but I paid extra to get her some pain pills, poor baby. She is a 6 mo old golden retriever that is just beautiful and very smart. Hugs, Susie

Susie,

Just saw in your post that you have a golden! I've had goldens all my life. Aren't they the best?! I miss mine so much when I am away, particularly when I'm having a bad pain day. They always seem to know when I'm having a bad day & help me through.

Skeye

After Annie, my Golden was put to sleep to keep her comfortable from Cancer, I
found this poem by Mary Evans. I don't believe she wrote it for a dog ... but

With Annie gone
Whose eyes to compare
To the morning sun ~
Not that I did,
But I do
Now that she's gone.

sniff.

Aw Pam its just so gut wrenching to lose one of our little critters. We had to put our Willie down a year ago and a year later we still cry. He was a special little boy to me & my husband. We also had Bo Willie's full litter mate and we lost him too. I always say Willie & Bo want their Momma to help all little critters that come our way. Jake was about 2 and a half per my vet when he came here and I am guessing him to be about 10 now. His little face is all white now. He rules the roost here and shows all the new ones the ropes so to speak. He knows he is number 1 in his Mom's heart, of course they all believe that,lol.

Miss Jazzie had a ruff first night home, the anesthesia made her very ill. Poor baby threw up several times, I am so glad she did not need any of her pain meds the first nite. She was fine the next day, just a little slow going. I kept her on her Tramadol for 3 days and you would not know now she had surgery. I am suppose to keep her quiet and not having her jump. Well, she has decided to be a jumper all of a sudden. I usually sit on the stairs in the house so she will be eye level to keep her from jumping. Jaker knew immediately when I brought her home something was up with her so he was protective of her and watched out for her. I kept the little wild Britney in his kennel more than usual the first couple of days. He is my wild child. I would be lost w/o my babies to care for. Susie